207. Score Big Bargains at Barrington Sidewalk Days

The 36th annual Barrington Sidewalk Days begin today and it’s a big and very busy weekend for business owners offering incredible discounts all over town. But with quite a few new shops that just opened in Barrington this year, the sidewalks are buzzing today with more activity and excitement than I’ve ever seen plus deals at every turn to feed the shopping frenzy. My first stop (and purchase) today was at Notice Accessories for Living on Cook Street.

Notice Accessories for Living, 202 S. Cook Street

Notice opened for business in Barrington this spring. Many of the shop’s hottest items are on sale, with discounts of up to 80% off on things like lotions, candles and clothes. They’re making way for new merchandise and store owner, Mari Barnes says this is a great weekend to tackle your gift shopping to-do list. “If you get good stuff at these prices, how can you not buy gifts for the holidays?”

Sidewalk Shoppers at “Notice Accessories for Living”

Right next door, Angelina shop owner, Katie Kuempel says she ordered extra merchandise just for this weekend’s community-wide sale.

Angelina, 200 S. Cook Street

Katie is offering some of Angelina’s best selling bracelets at two and three-for-one prices and says things are selling fast.

Accessories at Angelina

But I really scored across the street at Grassroots, known for their stylishly relaxed everyday apparel & accessories for the entire family. My husband, who told me yesterday that he needs new shorts, has about five new pairs now, all of which I bought at Grassroots today, with the help of owners, Todd and Joy Rhodes.

Grassroots Owners, Todd & Joy Rhodes

Also at Grassroots, I picked up an adorable strawberry-print sundress for my three-year-old daughter for ONLY $5! With a major shopping high, I decided to go check out the new Barrington Running Company that just opened on Park Avenue.

Barrington Running Company, 133 Park Avenue

I met the owners, Mark & Leanne Konicek, who told me a little about their Tuesday night Fun Runs, free yoga classes and the free video gait analysis they offer with the purchase of any pair of shoes!

Barrington Running Company Owners, Mark and Leanne Konciek

My last stop was the Douglas Automotive tent, where I convinced owner, Doug McCallister and General Manager, Pat Moody to let me take their picture in front of the NASCAR vehicle they have on display. Douglas is featuring the car, courtesy of NASCAR driver, Dave Blaney, in the Sidewalk Days New, Exotic and Classic Car Show taking place Saturday in the Jewel parking lot.

Doug McAllister and Pat Moody of Douglas Automotive

Doug and Pat told me the picture might look better without them in it, but I have to disagree!

With that quick look at some of today’s Sidewalk Days action, here’s the schedule of exciting events planned through Saturday…

Hosted by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce each year, Sidewalk Days is a community tradition that dates back to 1976. The shopping event allows local retailers to clear out their stores to make room for new fall and holiday merchandise. So after you shop this weekend, our local store shelves will be stocked with hundreds of great new items and as many reasons to keep coming back for more!